Dawn found them entering town and meeting the army men who had arrived after dark last night. The army took the prisoners and the gold and left town right away so they could have the gold save before someone else tried to steal it. Chris and the others decided to get some sleep and then meet later at the saloon.

Josiah had slept only a few hours when he heard someone calling for him. He woke to see JJ sitting across from him in the church.

"How I envy the young, that they need less sleep then we older people. "Josiah joked.

"Sorry, just that ma and Jake are planning to leave this evening and I wanted to let ya know I'm going with them?" JJ said.

Josiah wasn't surprised he had knew JJ would return to the home and family he loved. It hurt just a little to knew his son would be far away. But he also knew his son would be alright, JJ was able to take care of himself and Josiah had Jake Ten Bears to thank for that.

"I'll write and come visit ya, and maybe ya can come see us at the ranch." JJ said.

"I'd like that, when things settle down here a bit maybe I see ya and find out all about ranching. I'll write ya too." Josiah said with a grin.

The two spend the afternoon talking. and when Sammy came looking to say goodbye she found that Father and son had made plans for their next visit together.

"Well Jo Jo..it's been fun." Sammy teased Josiah.

"Yep, fun. Next time y'all come to visit I'll try and be ready for ya." Josiah laughed.

He and Sammy hugged and then walked outside to find Jake and all three boys waiting for them. As they walked through town the six peacekeepers joined them. Good-byes were exchanged and thanks given. Jake went to Josiah last to say goodbye.

"I was wrong." Jake said to Josiah.

"Bout what?" Josiah asked.

"You have felt a father's pain." Jake replied.

Josiah shook his head as if to say no but Jake went on. "Each time those men are in trouble or hurt it is you who feels as a Father would."

"Ya might be right, I never saw it that way, just saw it that my friends were in trouble and hurtin'" Josiah answered.

"But your heart feels it like a father would for his childern. So a Father's pain is something you understand," Jake said.

Josiah only smiled and Jake let the matter drop. But he knew he was right. The seven watched as Sammy Jo Park and her family rode out of town.

"Well Josiah, what say you let us buy you a drink." Chris said as he slapped Josiah on the back.

"Yes Mr. Sanchez, we owe you a couple of drinks. One for saving us and another for becoming a father." Ezra joked.

"Well boys, sound like a good idea to me." Josiah said. The seven headed toward the saloon and some peace and quite for a few hours.